Destinations
Preventing Overtourism
Although Switzerland is in the middle of a period of steady growth in tourism from overseas markets – including Canada – the European country is consciously not appealing to the masses, reports assistant editor, Ann Ruppenstein in this week's digital edition of Canadian Travel Press. “In Europe there’s a new buzzword -- overtourism -- this is a hot topic here,” Jürg Schmid, the CEO of Switzerland Tourism said at the recent Switzerland Travel Mart held in Davos, Switzerland. “It’s a serious challenge and if you don’t feel comfortable any more to live in your own city, if...
Western Agents Get Whirlwind Journey Around Germany
Germany was on the menu as Vancouver travel agents took part in an innovative German tourism dinner event recently at a downtown Vancouver hotel. It was the first of four stops on a west coast tour that headed south to the US after the Vancouver event. The Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront hosted the Destination Germany Roadshow, which not only featured an overview of German tourism events and highlights, but also a trade show staffed by reps from many German cities and regions. Joining them were executive staff from product suppliers such as Lufthansa, Air Canada, Maritim Hotels and...
It’s a Scream!
It's almost screaming season. And with that comes the return, as of Sept. 29, of Bingemans Screampark in Kitchener, Ont., set to open for its 12th year with "more attractions and more terror" than ever before. “Screampark is going to be the ultimate horror attraction this year that no one is going to want to miss,” says Mark Bingeman, president of Bingemans amusement park. “Our ghouls and zombies know just how to extract fear and bloodcurdling screams from even the bravest of souls – terrifying experience guaranteed.” Screampark has five new attractions this year, as...
Puerto Rico Welcomes Vacationers
Puerto Rico’s tourism infrastructure has allowed the island to resume regular operations of hotels, sites and attractions, as well as become a transient hub for travellers from across the Caribbean. Efforts over the past week have helped more than 3,000 tourists from neighbouring Caribbean islands be diverted to Puerto Rico, in addition to mobilizing industry partners to co-ordinate collections of supplies and donations. “Today, nearly all hotels in Puerto Rico are operational and apt to continue receiving guests. We’re very fortunate that it’s business as usual across the...
Air Canada Expands Service to the Emerald Isle
Air Canada will offer expanded seasonal services to Ireland with new non-stop flights from Toronto to Shannon and between Montreal and Dublin. The flights will be operated using Air Canada's newest single-aisle aircraft, the Boeing 737 Max 8, featuring a Business and Economy cabin configuration. “With the right aircraft for the right market, Air Canada appears to have the luck of the Irish and we want to share it with our customers. Beginning summer 2018, we will capitalize on the growing traffic between Canada and Ireland and launch two new routes to Ireland, Toronto to Shannon...
Air Transat Suspends Some Cuba Service
Due to the impact of Hurricane Irma, Air Transat has suspended operations to Cayo Coco and Cayo Santa Maria, Cuba, until Oct. 31. Flights to Varadero are expected to resume Sept. 22, and flights to Holguin are continuing as normal, with a flight scheduled for Friday. And to meet higher demand in the Dominican Republic and Mexico, Air Transat is increasing capacity on flights for September and...
British Virgin Islands Continue to Assess Hurricane Damage
As the government of the British Virgin Islands continues to assess the significant damage sustained during Hurricane Irma, those concerned about the well-being of a relative or loved one who was in the territory at the time of the storm can contact [email protected]. All travellers in need of assistance are being encouraged to consult with the BVI Tourist Board office located on Virgin Gorda. The priority in the coming days is to ensure that all remaining visitors are safely transported out of the territory. Virgin Gorda: The tourist board office is located at Virgin Gorda...
Falling for Colorado
It's a special time of year in Colorado and those lucky enough to visit during the fall can experience numerous unique getaways and experiences, not to mention a chance to take in one of the hundreds of festivals or special events, reports assistant editor, Greg Coates in this week's digital edition of Travel Courier. Fall in Colorado kicks off with a glorious display of fall foliage, but as the days shorten and evenings cool down, there’s no better place to be than fireside, sipping whiskey from a local distillery. Or trying out a wintry ale, while listening to a cowboy reciting his...